Signaling apparatus



Oct. 8, 1935. D. PERLMAN SIGNALING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 15, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l "-777 OIFNE Y Oct. 8, 1935. D. PERLMAN 2,016,790

SIGNALING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 15, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR David Pet-Imam HTTOITH Ef UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SIGNALING AFPARATUS David Perlman, Jersey City, N. J.

Application November 15, 1930, Serial No. 495,922

18 Claims.

My invention relates to novel apparatus for and methods of signaling and new and improved apparatus therefor.

Specifically, my invention relates to a new and 5 improved transformer for high and low voltage secondary output and multi-functional operation and a combined high and low speed current interrupter and pole changer as well as novel methods of operation thereof for providing a greater degree of dependability of the transformer operation, even during abnormal conditions, such as short-circuiting or burning out of the primary,

or failure of the main power supply.

In the application of railway and other signaling, it is of utmost importance that the signaling apparatus operate with substantial safety, as a single failure of the signaling apparatus may-prove more damaging in property and in loss of life than is commensurate with the cost of the signaling system.

To this end, attempts have been made heretofore to develop signaling apparatus which will perform with a high degree of accuracy under all operating conditions.

These, however, have resulted in complications, which have destroyed the very purpose ofthe idea.

Accordingly, it is-an object of my invention to provide novelapparatus for and methods of signaiing, which will give high degree of operating safety.

A further object of my invention is to provide novel transformer apparatus and methods of operation thereof and to operate relay switches, high and low speed interrupters, pole changers, mercury switches, etc., in addition to transformer functions.

Still a further object of my invention is to provide new and improved signaling means for opr related signaling eration in railway and othe systems.

Still a further object of my invention is to provide new and improved signaling circuits which will insure 100% accuracy of operation under all conditions and will provide ample warning in the in which:

Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram embodying a schematic detailed view, partly insection of an improved transformer employed according to the'l invention:

Figure 2 is a side view of the in Figure 1.

tra

nsformer shown Figure 3 is a modified construction of my transformer in schematic detailed view, partly in section built with three cores and provisions to operate several independent electro-mechanical devices.

Figure 4 is a top view of Figure 3 showing the relay switch and magnetic interrupter.

Figure 5 is a partial front view of a trans former according to Figure 3 showing hinged armature and mercury switch combination with 10 adjustable time controlling paddle.

Figure 6 is a side view of a polarity changing drive mechanism with mercury tube switch to be mounted on top of transformer of Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 1, a relay I is shown con- 15 nected over a signaling line to a control mechanism operated in accordance with the signaling conditions to be controlled, in a manner well known in the art. This may be some arrangement whereby a train, entering a section, de- 20 energizes in a well-known manner the normally energized relay I, or if used in connection with dispatcher control, may be a circuit arrangement. whereby a dispatcher, by key operation, de-energizes the normally energized relay I. lay I, upon de-energizing in accordance with any operation, as indicated in the illustration, causes its armatures I9 and 2i to drop back to their back contacts I5 and I1, respectively. As a result of the armatures I9 and 2| engaging their 30 back contacts, I5 and I1 respectively, an energizing circuit is completed from a source of alternating current shown at I4 over the back contact I5 and armature I9 through a thermostatic circuit interrupter or flasher 4 through the primary winding 3 of the transformer and back to source I4.

The interrupter 4 is arranged to periodically open and close this circuit for the desired flashing effect immediately after the circuit is closed, as described above and an alternating current accordingly flows intermittently through'the primary winding 3 so long as the relay I remains de-energized. a

The alternating current through the-winding 3 induces a current in the secondary winding 9,

a result of which a voltage is impressed across the neon tubes I3. It will be noted that there are two neon tubes connected in parallel across this circuit. As is well known, the characteristics of neon gas tubes are such that no two tubes have exactly the same resistance and, accordingly, when a discharge starts in one of the tubes, that tube will continue in operation and the other tube will remain non-operative thus in- The re- 5 hereinafter.

creasing the safety of response of the signaling device.

A further result of the energizing of the primary winding 3 by the alternating current is to operate the relay switch armature 83, but this has no effect at this time, as will appear in full When, however, for any reason, an abnormal condition occurs in the system, such as a breakdown in the transformer winding, failure of the power system, etc., the armature 83 by its operation functions to correct for this breakdown condition, in switching on the emergency current supply on the emergency circuit.

In order to illustrate the case further, it will be assumed that there has been a failure in the primary winding 3.

It will be noted that, in addition to the engagement of contact l5 by armature l9, upon the de-energization of relay i, a further result of the' operation of the relay i is to cause armature 2| to engage contact H. A circuit is thereupon completed from emergency battery 2 through thermostatic circuit flasher 5 to the contact i1 and armature 2i through the primary winding 5-5 of the emergency transformer circuit, back contact and interrupter armature 88, relay armature 83 and its back contact, and back to battery 2.

Under normal conditions, with the core II energized by the alternating current and the armature 03 held away from its back contact, this circuit is not completed, by reason of the fact that the armature l3 disengages its contact. The magnetic conditions of the winding 3 are such that during current operations thereof, it holds the armature l1 disengaged from its back contact.

Accordingly, winding 5 is normally non-operative while the normal operating conditions obtain. When, however, as assumed above, a failare in the winding 3 occurs and the armature 83 closes to its back contact, an energizing circuit is completed through the winding B.

One of the effects of the current flowing through the winding 8 is to operate the interrupter ll in this circuit, thereupon producing pulsating currents in the winding 8. These pulsating currents induce an E. M. F. in the secondary I, which is, accordinsly, impressed across the neon tubes I! as in the first case.

The secondary of the transformer is arranged in loose coupling relation, so that under constant short circuit it will not become injured. Moreover, the two cores are placed in such a mechanical relation, that should the primary winding 3 be burnt out, or short circuited, the secondary winding 9 will operate from the emergency winding 5 without any decrease of safety or undue consumption of primary current.

From the above it is seen that the transformer of the present invention is quite different from the usual type, inasmuch as it performs other functions besides the usual function of transforming the voltage. Furthermore, the main transformer action can be secured alternatelyy from an alternating current supply or from an interrupted direct current supply, these supplies being entirely independent of each other. A more detailed description of the transformer principles will follow.

Figures 1 2 also showthe two arm transformer'constru'ction comprising two groups of punchings, group H of which is of U-shape and group 12 of straight shape and separated from the first group by air gaps l3 and Il. The

the secondary 9 from the emergency primary to winding 5 will not be prevented. The punchings may be held together by angle frames 15 and 11, the latter also serving as supports for the various relay and buzzer contacts and other devices. In

this manner, by providing air-gaps l3 and 14 at 15 a suitable distance between the core ll and the core 12, suflicient loose coupling of the secondary winding may be secured, preventing reaction from the primary upon the secondary during short circuit of the primary winding and insur- 2( ing proper function of theemergency winding and secondary winding under all circumstances. In order to prevent excessive leakage of the magnetic flux produced by the main primary winding and force a substantial amount of the pri- 9,:

mary flux through the secondary winding despite the provision of a rather loose coupling, I have found it preferable to enlarge the cross-section of the central portion 15 for the core H in excess of the cross-section of the remaining portions u of the magnetic circuit. In this manner a maximum of transformer eiliciency is obtained with sufliciently large air-gaps to provide the necessary loose coupling for preventing objectionable reaction on the windings carried by the core I! u in case of a short circuit or other disturbance, such as an excess or surge voltage, occurring in the main primary winding.

A plurality of metal bridges 18, I9 and are mounted on the frames 11 on one side of the a 88 cooperating with a. contact 90 supported on 5 the bridge 80. Other relays or controls may be mounted on the frame 16 on the opposite side of the transformer, in the event that further action is desired.

Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, I have shown a device using mercury switches operated from the common transformer core and serving as flasher switches in place of the thermostatic devices shown in Figure 1. The construction consists of armatures, the time period operations of a which, that is, the time taken to move from energized to de-energized position and vice versa, may be varied. Specifically, adjustable paddles I08, I09 extend downward from the hinged armatures H0 and Ill. The paddles are immersed in a jar H2, filled with a suitable liquid such as mercury H3. The jar I I2 is provided on its outside frame with a long screw thread i id, to permit the vertical adjustments, whereby the desired time setting motion resistance regulation is obtained. 7 In other words, time periods of operation of the armature from its energized to de-energized position and vice versa are varied. By raising the 'jar, the time period is increased and by lowering tion to this, a further individual regulation is made by thesliding adjustments of the paddle on the armature mounting II5, as seen from Fig. 5

furthermore shown in Fig. 5 connecting clips I IIIa for mounting the mercury tubes and terminal,

such as a socket I28, for making the required electrical connections. x

As will be understood, the armatures carry me'rcury switches of well known construction, which contain a small quantity of mercury, by means of which a circuit between two electrodes is made and broken as the mercury switch is tilted back and forth.

The operating functions of the multi-functioning transformer utilizing the mercury switches are the same as previously described, the only difference being in the additional construction means for mounting and tilting of the mercury switches, to effect the desired making and breaking of the circuits. Armatures III) and III are designed each to carry two or three mercury switches H3, H9, I20, and I2I, which may function to control two transformer units such as in Fig. 3 in a structurally combined construction, in which the energizing and secondary windings and the induction coil core are designated by 5a, 9a, and 12a, respectively, alternately, so that, while one-transformer circuit is closed, the other transformer circuit is open. Adjustable stops I22 and I23 are provided to regulate the downward motion of armatures III) and III. Q

Armatures III) and III function independently of each other, IIiI on the main transformer circuit andl II on the emergency transformer circuit, as follows:

Normally, mercury switch H9 is closed and when relay I becomes de-energized by the approach of the train, switch I3 will close with contact I5 (see Fig. 1), which permits current to pass the main circuit of winding 3 and magnetically energize the core H, which will attract hinged armature I ill with mercury switches H8 and H3. The mercury switch is tilted and causes the mercufy to flow to the other end andopen up the circuit of winding 3, thereby disrupting the magnetic attraction of core 1I. Armature IIII, returns by tilting back to its normal position by force of gravity of the armature, mercury switches and paddle, thus completing a cycle of operation. Mercury switch I I8 is mounted on the same armature, to function in reversed orderthus performing an alternate flashing action.

A further object of my invention is the provision of means to protect the secondary windings of my transformer from possible rupture or short circuiting and burning-out, due to the higher voltage stress which builds up when operating open circuited, particularly on the emergency winding in case of tube failure.

To prevent possible mis-operation, I have provided my transformer at the secondary winding terminals with a suitable safety spark gap I23 (see Fig. 1), permitting the higher tension current to jump across in case of tube failure, thereby assuring the safe operation of the transformer.

A further object of my invention is the provision of means to obtain the maximum results from the contact points on the magnetic interrupter operating the emergency circuit of my transformer. It is also my intention to use this improvement on all types of induction coils. In ordinary service, contact points on lnterrupters become pitted and quite often stick or fuse together, thereby rendering the device useless and not dependable for important service. This trouble is caused by the unipolar ionization process which carries over the metal from the negative .pole contactpoint to the positive pole contact 5 point, thereby causing the positive contact point -to build up ridges with relative pitting unevenness on the negative contact point, which throws the device out of its adjustment, and quite often results in sticking or fusing together of both contacts.

To avoid the aforesaid troubles, I incorporated in my multi-functional transformer construction also means for automatic pole changing of current on the contact points, with provision to use 15 especially designed pole changing devices or any conventional design double pole double throw switch with this construction. I

This very simple and efficient construction can be mounted on the top or bottom of the trans- 20 former, and is applicable to any type induction coil for continuous or interrupted operation with a very slight modification.

To avoid the possible failures of the conventional designed switches utilizing springs for their 25 motive power. I constructed highly reliable pole changing switches utilizing magnetic attraction and gravitation as their motive power, which is most dependable. The mercury tube switch is very simple and highly reliable in operation. The $0 drum type construction switch is still more reliable with a possible advantage in cost. The construction and operation of my pole changing switches and the motive mechanism is as follows:

Referring to Figure 6, when core 12a (seealso 35 Fig. 3) becomes energized it causes the hinged armature I30 to swing down. On the armature at I3I is pivoted a ratchet pawl I32, causing ratchet gear I33 to turn over one tooth forward in the direction indicated by arrow; a second ratchet 40 pawl I34, pivoted at I35, holds the ratchet gear over'too far. When the core becomes-de-ener- 45 gized,the armature returns to its normal position again by gravity means of rod I46, and counterbalancing weight I and the armature stop against adjustable abutment I42 thereby completing the cycle of armature operation of the gear 50 I33 rotated through one tooth distance.

This armature motion transmits, through the gea train, a very slow revolving movement to the third gear I43 with stud I44 carrying sleeve I45 engaging in fork I46 which is pivoted at I41 55 and swings up and down on a complete revolution of gear I43. The fork motion actuates by its lever I48 and connecting link I49, any type toggle or tumbler switch including the mercury and other especially designed switches for polarity 00 changing as shown.

This mercury tube pole changing switch is actuated by the fork lever I48 and connecting link I49 which is pivoted to tube mounting I62 05 by pivot I63. Stud I64 pivotally supports the tube mounting I62 with its two sets of spring.

clips I65 which hold two mercury tube switches switch, the mounting I62 carries a pointed pin I63 which is engaged in cone I63 over which one end of spring I16 is mounted and is similarly 7 supported on the other end by cone I'll and ad justable pointed screw I12.

The spring, being slightly compressed between the two points, acts to tilt over quickly the switch mounting as its tilting movement, actuated by ments in which the distribution of the emergency primary winding and secondary windings, the size and proportions of the cores, and the shape and assembly of the 'cores, are all novel. The coresare constructed with approximate cross section proportions of three or four to one, from primary to secondary cores, and the winding of emergency circuit primaries and secondaries surround the smaller core arms. The winding of the main circuit only covers the large or center core arm, a feature which is a departure from prior transformer construction engineering practice.

With this construction the following important features are obtained: (1) A secondary output .of the transformer is obtained by means of an emergency winding and current supply, independently of the main current supply and condition of-main'winding, which may be short-circuited or burned out; (2) A transformer functioning to the extent of 100% reactance; '(3) A transformer in which both sides of the cores are energized.

It will now be evident that I have provided apparatus which is 100% dependable and has very simple means for automatically actuating mercury and other types of switches for any desired purposes, ,including flashing operations which may be independent or synchronous in operation-of more than one unit, including the most dependable and simple kind of time controlling means capable of accurate time setting adjustment. v 7

To avoid the possibilities of failure in complicated'mechanical time controlling constructions, I designed my device upon the principles of magnetic attraction and gravitation, plus damping resistance to motion, offered by a suitable liquid such as mercury to a paddle of a suitable size.

Although, for purposes'of illustration, I have disclosed the various features of my invention applied to a traffic signaling device, the devices have more general application and I do not propose to limit myself, but only insofar as is set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is: 1'. In a signaling transformer, comprising a main primary winding and an emergency primary winding to become operative upon failure of said main primary winding, a secondary winding, and means whereby said emergency winding can function unaffected and during failure of said main winding.

2. A signaling transformer comprising a main primary winding, an emergency'primary winding to become operative upon failure of said main primary winding, a secondary winding and a magnetic core structure carrying said windings arranged to permit independent operation of said main primary winding i to be supplied by a source emergency winding unaffected by and during controlled by said coil, a pole changing switch I controlled by said armature, a plurality of gravity arms for operating said pole changing switch at a high rate of speed and independently of the rate of operation of said armature.

4. In combination, an induction coil subject 10 to normal operating currents and to occasional abnormal fluctuations, an armature for said coil non-responsive to said normal operating currents and responsive to said abnormal fluctuations, a pole changing switch controlled by said 15 armature and a current controlling contact means carried by said armature.

5. Incombination, an induction coil subject to normal operating currents and to occasional abnormal fluctuations, an armature for said coil 20 non-responsive to said normal operating currents and responsive to said abnormal fluctuations, a pole changing switch controlled by said armature and a mercury contact switch carried by said armature. 25

6. In combination, an induction coil having a pivoted armature arranged to operate between energized and de-energized limit stops, 2. liquid bath, an arm extending from said armature into said bath, said armature movingto its de-ener- 30 gized position under gravity, said liquid controlling the rate of movement of said armature from one to its alternate position.

7. In combination, an induction coil having a pivoted armature arranged to operate between 35 energized and de-energized limit stops, a mercury bath, an arm extending from said armature into said bath, said armature moving to its deenergized position under gravity, said mercury controlling the rate of movement ture from one to its alternate position.

8. In combination, an induction coil having a pivoted armature arranged to operate between energized and de-energiz'ed limit stops/a liquid bath, an arm extending from said armature into said bath, said armature moving to its de-energized position under gravity, said liquid controlling'the rate of movement of said armature from one to its alternate position and means for increasing and decreasing the depth to which said 50 arm extends in the liquid bath for varying the rate of movement of said armature between stops.

9. In a signaling transformer comprising a first magnet core; a-second magnet core; a main primary winding carried by said first core; an emer 55 gency primary winding and a common secondary winding carried by said second core, said cores being combined with separating air-gaps therebetween to form a substantially closed magnetic circuit for said main winding and a "substantially 00 open magnetic path for said emergency winding; said emergency winding becoming effective upon and during failure of said main winding; and interrupter means comprising an armature operated by said first core for rendering operative said 5 emergency winding upon failure of said mainwinding.

10. In a signaling transformer comprising a first magnet core; a second magnet core, said cores being combined with separating air gaps 7 therebetween to form a substantially closed magnetic path comprising said first core and an open magnetic circuit comprising said second core; a d by said first core of alternating curof said arma- 40- said second core to be supplied by a direct current emergency source; a common secondary winding carried by said second core; an electromagnetic interrupter for said emergency winding comprising a vibrating armature cooperating with said second core to produce pulsating currents in said emergency winding; and a further.

interrupter comprising armature means cooperating with saidmain magnetic circuit for rendering operative said emergency winding upon failure of said main winding.

11.. In a signaling transformer as claimed in claim 9 in which said first 'core is of U-shape spaced from and forming a substantially closed magnetic circuit with'said second core.

12. In a signaling transformer as claimed in claim 10 in which said first core is of U-shape and said second core is of bar-shape, both of said cores being combined with separating air gaps therebetween to form a substantially closed magnetic path for said main winding and an open magnetic path for said emergency winding.

13. In a signaling transformer as claimed in claim 10, in which said first core is of T-shape and in which two bar-shaped cores are provided, all of said cores being combined with separating air gaps therebetween to form substantially closed magnetic paths for said T-shaped core and open magnetic paths for said bar-shaped cores; a primary main winding being carried bythe central portion of said T-shaped core; a'pair of emergency and secondary windings connected in series and carried each by one of said bar-shaped cores. 14. A signaling transformer; a main primary winding to be supplied from an alternating current; an emergency primary winding to be supplied by interrupted direct current upon failure of said main winding; a magnetic core structure carrying said windings; an electro-magnetic' interrupter comprising a vibrating armature in the emergency winding circuit operated by said magnetic core; a contact and armature also operated by said magnetic core for normally interrupting said emergency winding during fiow of current through said main winding; a common secondary primary winding,

winding for both said primary winding and said emergency winding; and means whereby said interrupter and said emeregncy winding operate unaffected by and during failure of said main primary, ,winding.

, ,15. Ina signaling transformer having a main primary winding; an auxiliary primary winding and a common secondary winding; a magnetic core structure for said windings; means including air-gaps in said magnetic structure whereby said secondary winding is interlinked with said primary winding by a substantially closed magnetic paththrough said structure including said air-gaps and whereby said emergency winding forms an open core induction coil with said'secondary winding; and means in the event that said main primary winding is disabled for automatically rendering said auxiliary widing operative.

16. In a signaling transformer as claimed in claim 10 in whichsaid first core is of U-shape and said second core is of bar shape, both of said cores being combined with separating airgaps therebetween to form a substantially closed magnetic path for said main winding and an open magnetic path for said emergency winding, the central portion of said U shaped core having a cross-section substantially in excess of the remainder of the magnetic circuit.

1'7. A signaling transformer comprising a main an emergency primary winding to become operative upon failure of said main primary winding, a secondary winding and a magnetic structure carrying said windings, and means including an air gap in said magnetic structure to permit independent operation of said emergency winding unaffected by the condition and during failure of said main winding.

18. In combination, an induction coil, a vibrator having opening and closing solid contacts for periodically energizing said coil, an armature controlled by abnormal currents through said coil and a pole changing switch for said vibrator controlled by said armature.

. DAVID PERLMAN. 

